Sahara V.

Age: 14, Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

"We need to take action because our government isn't protecting our future. I want my children and future generations to be able to live safely on our planet."

Sahara feels very connected to the natural world in her home state of Oregon, where she enjoys exploring, from the Mohawk River to the Yachats. She has already begun to see and feel the impacts of climate change, with decreasing water levels in the Mohawk and sea level rise on the coast. Sahara also has asthma, and her condition has been exacerbated by the increased frequency of forest fires in Oregon (a result of hotter and drier temperatures). Climate change has also caused Sahara to become more susceptible to grass allergies, further aggravating her asthma. She is taking a stand in this lawsuit for the health of all present and future generations.

Sahara chants at the April 22, 2017 March For Science in Washington D.C. with her fellow #youthvgov plaintiffs. Photo: Robin Loznak